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3 Tips for Staying Safe on Your Upcoming Summer Road Trip

Robert Stahle • August 9, 2018

Summer Road Trip Safety Tips - Personal Injury Attorneys - Iowa and Nebraska

As we officially approach the midpoint of summer, more people are heading out to enjoy the gloriously long days at their favorite vacation spots. This point of summer is the perfect time to embark on a road trip, be it your annual visit to the family beach house or to explore a new destination.

The summer season not only means more drivers on the road, it also brings with it drivers who are more likely to be distracted, stressed and unfamiliar with their surroundings. Don’t let an avoidable car accident destroy your summer fun. Here are three things to keep in mind for a safe summer road trip.

Schedule a Tune Up Before You Hit the Road

A successful, carefree road trip always starts with a little pre-planning. Before you head out, make sure you’ve crossed all the precautionary measures off your to-do list, like scheduling a tune up. Even if your vehicle is in top working condition, it’s smart to have a qualified mechanic give it a look over just in case.

Even minor mechanical problems can increase the likelihood of being involved in an accident. For example, a blown tire can cause you to swerve, or a vehicle that suddenly stops working can cause a pile up in high speed traffic before you even have the chance to pull over. Stay safe and have a mechanic take a look at your tires, belts, battery and fluids. It’s also smart to have the air conditioner accessed before you head down the road in the summer heat.

Keep Load Limits in Mind

Has that carefree summer trip resulted in trying to fit what feels like the entire house into the trunk of your vehicle? It’s surprising how much stuff you need when going on a vacation, especially if there’s kids, pets or special equipment like kayaks or grills involved.

Before you pull out of the driveway, check the load weight limit on your vehicle and assess if maybe you’ve gone over. Carrying too much weight for your vehicle can put extra stress on your braking system, making it difficult to stop quickly. Plus, extra weight can also make your vehicle more difficult to navigate in some situations. Keep in mind that the weight of your passengers counts too. So, traveling with 4 adults will likely mean less cargo capability than if it’s just you and the kids.

Safety Seat Check

Now is the time to double check the installation on the devices that hold your most precious cargo, your car seats. It’s estimated that the majority of car seats are installed improperly, even though parents think they’re installed correctly. Don’t take any chances and have your child car seats inspected by a professional. Many local fire stations, police stations and hospitals offer this service for free, so call and ask for an inspection to make sure your little ones stay safe.

A few simple precautions are all it takes to help keep you and your passengers safe on your next road trip. You can’t control other drivers, but you can make sure that you won’t cause or contribute to any accidents on the roads this summer. If you do find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being involved in an auto accident, we may be able to help. We’re personal injury attorneys in Iowa and Nebraska that help you take the first step to reclaiming your life. Contact Fitch & Stahle Law Offices today for a free consultation.

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How Drunk Driving Accident Victims Can Maximize Compensation With Legal Help

By Robert Stahle • June 11, 2025

When you’re injured by a drunk driver, the physical trauma is often only the beginning. Medical appointments, hospital stays, and prescription medications can last for weeks, months, or even years. You may be unable to work. You may lose your vehicle. And the emotional toll—fear, anxiety, depression—can weigh heavily on you and your family. Unfortunately, many accident victims never receive the compensation they truly need to recover. Insurance companies are skilled at downplaying injuries, undervaluing claims, and pushing quick settlements. These early offers often only cover short-term costs—and leave victims with nothing for long-term consequences. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a personal injury attorney who understands how to fight for your full and fair compensation. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we’ve helped countless clients throughout Iowa and Nebraska recover the financial support they deserve after being hit by drunk drivers. Here’s how having legal representation can make a difference: 1. Understanding the Full Value of Your Claim A serious injury isn’t just about your ER bill. A strong legal claim must account for: Follow-up medical care, physical therapy, and surgeries Future medical treatment or long-term care Mental health services for trauma, PTSD, or anxiety Lost wages and reduced ability to earn income Property damage and vehicle replacement Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life Without legal help, you may never even know you’re entitled to compensation for these elements—let alone how to calculate their true cost. Our attorneys work closely with doctors, financial experts, and accident specialists to build a comprehensive case that reflects the full scope of your losses. 2. Pursuing Punitive Damages In Iowa and Nebraska, courts may award punitive damages in drunk driving cases. Unlike compensatory damages (which are designed to cover your losses), punitive damages are intended to punish the offender for particularly reckless or egregious behavior and deter others from doing the same. These damages can significantly increase the value of your claim—but you need an experienced attorney to prove that the driver’s actions warrant them. We know how to present evidence of impairment, prior offenses, and other aggravating factors that strengthen your case. 3. Exploring Additional Sources of Compensation Sometimes, the drunk driver’s insurance policy won’t cover the full cost of your damages. In those cases, we explore: Your own underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage Dram shop liability (if a bar, restaurant, or event overserved the driver) Third-party liability (in rare cases, the driver’s employer or vehicle owner may also share responsibility) Our team works to leave no stone unturned when identifying all potential sources of recovery. 4. Standing Up to the Insurance Companies Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators. Their job is to pay out as little as possible. Without a lawyer, they may take advantage of your lack of legal knowledge or pressure you into a fast settlement. With Fitch & Stahle in your corner, you don’t have to deal with their tactics. We handle all communication, submit all documentation, and push aggressively for the settlement you deserve. And if the insurance company won’t cooperate? We’re ready to take your case to court. If you or someone you love has been injured by a drunk driver in Iowa or Nebraska, don’t let the insurance company decide what your recovery is worth. Contact Fitch & Stahle Law Firm today for a free case evaluation. Let us help you move forward—with the compensation and justice you deserve.

Why You Need a Lawyer After a Drunk Driving Accident in Iowa or Nebraska

By Robert Stahle • June 6, 2025

Drunk driving accidents are among the most devastating types of crashes—and the most preventable. Every time someone chooses to drive under the influence of alcohol, they not only break the law, but they also endanger innocent lives. When you’re the victim of one of these reckless acts, the physical, emotional, and financial consequences can be overwhelming. Many accident victims assume that if the other driver was arrested for DUI, the case will resolve itself quickly and fairly. After all, if the police have proof that the driver was drunk, what else is there to fight about? The reality is far more complex. Even when intoxication is clear, recovering compensation is rarely straightforward. Insurance companies are primarily concerned with protecting their bottom line. They may admit the drunk driver was at fault but still dispute the amount of damages you’re owed. They may claim your injuries aren’t as severe as you say or argue that you had pre-existing conditions. In some cases, they may even try to shift partial blame to you. That’s why hiring an experienced drunk driving accident attorney is so critical. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we represent clients throughout Iowa and Nebraska who have been harmed by drunk drivers. Our attorneys know how to build strong legal cases backed by evidence, expert testimony, and strategic negotiation. We don’t just take the word of the insurance company—we conduct our own investigations, obtain police and toxicology reports, interview witnesses, and, when necessary, work with accident reconstruction professionals to determine exactly what happened and who’s responsible. Beyond proving liability, our goal is to make sure every client receives the full amount of compensation they’re entitled to under the law. That includes not only current medical expenses and lost wages but also: Future medical care (surgeries, rehab, medications) Lost future earning capacity Pain and suffering Mental and emotional trauma Property damage Punitive damages when applicable In particularly egregious cases, we may also pursue compensation from third parties under Iowa or Nebraska’s dram shop liability laws . If a bar, restaurant, or even a private event served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated or underage, that establishment could be held partially liable for the damages. Dealing with injuries, doctors, bills, and the trauma of the crash is hard enough. You shouldn’t also have to navigate legal paperwork, deadlines, and difficult insurance adjusters on your own. We provide personal, compassionate, and aggressive legal representation—so you can focus on healing while we focus on justice. Remember: The other driver’s arrest or conviction does not guarantee you fair compensation. Civil and criminal cases are separate, and only a personal injury claim will secure the financial support you need to recover and rebuild your life. If you or a loved one has been hit by a drunk driver in Sioux City or the surrounding areas of Iowa and Nebraska, don’t wait. Call Fitch & Stahle Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll help you hold the drunk driver—and their insurance company—fully accountable.